Individual Strains Research Articles

Bioremediation of soils contaminated with nicosulfuron by the bacterial complex ES58

Nicosulfuron residues in soil can be harmful to the environment. In this study, acid-producing Klebsiella oxytoca ES5 and Klebsiella grimontii ES8 were isolated to construct the ES58 bacterial complex. The culture medium was optimized using response surface methodology, nicosulfuron degradation by ES58 reached 97.21% in 96h. The optimal degradation conditions were: temperature: 25℃, pH 6, initial nicosulfuron concentration: 50mgL-1 and inoculum volume: 2%. The two individual strains and the bacterial complex were tested for the ability of nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium decomposition and iron carrier production. The results revealed that both strains and the bacterial complex had the ability to promote the growth, with bacterial complex being more capable than the two individual bacterial strains. After 28 d of bioremediation of nicosulfuron-contaminated soil by ES58, degradation rate of nicosulfuron was 90.84% in the unsterilized soil. Furthermore, the remediation process restored the activities of catalase, invertase, dehydrogenase and urease in the soil. The ES5-specific gene budA and ES8-specific gene ldh were detected in the soil at the 28th day. ES58 exhibited different effects on the growth indexes of nicosulfuron-sensitive crops. The study provides a novel strategy for nicosulfuron degradation effective by constructing and utilizing bacterial complex.

Analysing influential factors in e-learning technology acceptance for digital learning effectiveness enhancement

This study aims to discover the factors that influence the acceptance of electronic learning media and its effect on the effectiveness of digital instruction. The study involved a learning management system and online tutorials using management system (MS) teams from various faculties at the Universitas Terbuka. These include the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences. also conducted in three regional offices in Ambon, Gorontalo and Makassar, which were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data sources include participant questionnaires and interviews. Analytical methods include correlation and multiple regression analysis, with descriptive statistics used to summarize the dataset. Variable selection involves reliability and validity tests and classical assumption tests like multicollinearity. The F-test demonstrates a statistically significant and beneficial influence of utilizing e-learning media and individual ability, training, and intention to use it for digital learning success. The results of ttests and regression models provide empirical evidence supporting the significant effect of e-learning media and intention to use on the effectiveness of digital learning. However, variables related to training and ability do not show any significant influence.

Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that is commonly used to improve exercise performance. It could influence the buffering of hydrogen ions produced during intense exercise and delay fatigue, providing a substrate for increased synthesis of intramuscular carnosine. This systematic review evaluates the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on maximal intensity exercise in trained, young, male individuals. Six databases were searched on August 10, 2023, to identify randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of chronic beta-alanine supplementation in trained male individuals with an age range of 18-40years. Studies evaluating exercise performance through maximal or supramaximal intensity efforts falling within the 0.5-10min duration were included. A total of 18 individual studies were analyzed, employing 18 exercise test protocols and 15 outcome measures in 331 participants. A significant (p = .01) result was observed with an overall effect size of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 0.69]), in favor of beta-alanine supplementation versus placebo. Results indicate significant effects at 4weeks of supplementation, effect size 0.34 (95% CI [0.02, 0.67], p = .04); 4-10min of maximal effort, effect size 0.55 (95% CI [0.07, 1.04], p = .03); and a high beta-alanine dosage of 5.6-6.4g per day, effect size 0.35 (95% CI [0.09, 0.62], p = .009). The results provide insights into which exercise modality will benefit the most, and which dosage protocols and durations stand to provide the greatest ergogenic effects. This may be used to inform further research, and professional or recreational training design, and optimization of supplementation strategies.

Temporal relationship between high-intensity training sessions and episodes of atrial fibrillation among previously inactive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF

Abstract Background Exercise is considered beneficial for managing comorbidities in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the long term, and emerging evidence also indicate that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may reduce AF burden and symptoms. However, more data on the impact of individual training sessions on recurrence of AF is needed to understand mechanisms and tailor exercise recommendations. Purpose To assess the temporal relationship between training sessions and recurrent AF episodes among previously inactive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF being introduced to HIIT. Methods The Norwegian Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation Trial is a multi centre randomized controlled trial including inactive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, who are randomly assigned to either a structured exercise intervention or control for 12 months. We analysed AF episodes and training data from the initial weeks with introduction to structured exercise in the intervention group (8 supervised sessions of HIIT at 85-95% of maximal heart rate). AF episodes lasting ≥30 seconds were registered using implantable cardiac monitors (ICM). Training sessions were registered using sports watches and manual logs. We report event rates and rate ratios for recurrent AF episodes during HIIT compared to episodes occurring outside HIIT. Due to non-normal data distribution statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon sign-ranked test. Results 81 patients (24 female, 57 male), mean age of 64.2 years (range 35-78), were included. 57 patients had paroxysmal and 24 had persistent AF. The combined duration of monitoring was 5272 days (median 53, range 30 – 163). The participants performed a total of 418 hours of HIIT (median 5.3 hours, range 0.67 – 6.58) during 615 training sessions (median 8, range 1 – 8). In total 4528 AF episodes (median 4, range 0 – 1693) were registered, of which 18 occurred during HIIT. The mean AF rate per 24 hours was 0.69 outside HIIT, 1.20 during HIIT, 0.92 for the periods 1 – 3 hours and 4-6 hours after HIIT (Figure 1). The rate ratio for AF during HIIT compared to outside HIIT was 1.73 (p=0.002). In the 52 participants with at least one episode of AF during follow-up, the rate ratio for AF during HIIT compared to outside HIIT was 10.4 (bootstrapped 95% CI 0.2 to 30.3). Conclusion Among previously inactive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, the rate of recurrent AF episodes was significantly higher during high-intensity exercise than outside exercise. Given the few AF episodes, this mechanism of trigging AF by high-intensity exercise needs further investigation.Mean AF per 24 hours

Relation between wearable heart rate monitor derived training load and cardiac adaption in endurance athletes

Abstract Background No studies have effectively measured training load (TL) from wearable heart rate (HR) monitors and determined its relation to exercise induced left and right ventricular (LV, RV) remodeling. A better insight into drivers of exercise induced cardiac remodeling is of clinical relevance to guide training advice in athletes at risk of adverse remodeling. Purpose We determined the TL, based on HR monitoring by commercial wearables[1]. The number and duration of training sessions was quantified during a period of 3 months. Training-intensity was calculated as Edwards TRIMP (eTRIMP) based on the product of training duration in one of 5 HR zones (1=light, 5=very vigorous) and the coefficient related to the respective HR zone. Methods Training data was collected in 2 prospective multicenter studies. Master@Heart comprises endurance trained middle-aged men aged 45 to 70years[2]. Pro@Heart consists of elite athletes aged 16 to 23years[3]. For this analysis, all male athletes with complete training data recorded using a chest-worn HR monitor for 3 months were included. Using an in-house developed pipeline, maximal HR and TL were calculated from raw training data. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure indexed LV/RV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi, RVEDVi), end-systolic volume (LVESVi, RVESVi), ejection fraction (LVEF, RVEF) and LV mass (LVMi). Results Pro@Heart athletes (n=69; age 21.9 ± 4.2 years) trained more than Master@Heart athletes (n=82; age 55.2 ± 6.5 years) and their total 3-month TL (eTRIMP) was also higher (9718 ± 3190 vs. 5499 ± 3775min; P<0.05 and 22339 ± 7350 vs. 13438 ± 8880 AU; P< 0.05; Table 1). Considering all athletes, there was a strong correlation between both training duration and eTRIMP and LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi. Training duration in zone 1&2 correlated well with LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVSV, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi (Table 2). We found small significant negative correlations between duration and eTRIMP compared to LVEF and RVEF (Table 2). To filter out individual training factors influencing cardiac remodeling we used a partial least squares method which included time and percentage of time spent in training zones and age. Accordingly, training duration in zone 1&2 and age were the main predictors of cardiac volumes and LVMi. For LVEF, age and time in zone 3 was most predictive, whereas for RVEF zone 3 and to a lesser degree zone 1&2 were the main predictors, irrespective of age. Interestingly, time spent in high intensity zones 4 and 5 was not predictive. Conclusion We prospectively quantified TL in comparison to CMR-derived measures of cardiac remodeling and demonstrated that training duration in low intensity training zones is most predictive for cardiac volumes and mass, whereas LVEF and RVEF are more closely associated to time in zone 3. Very vigorous intensity exercise was not predictive, likely due to limited time training in zone 4 and 5.

Can HRV Biofeedback Training Improve the Mental Resilience of Icelandic Police Officers?

High heart rate variability (HRV) is increasingly recognized as an indicator of a healthy regulatory system, reflecting the dynamic balance between sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PSNS) nervous system activity. According to the neurovisceral integration model, this balance is managed by the central autonomic network (CAN), comprised of specific brain regions involved in emotional, attentional, and autonomic regulation. HRV thus reflects the performance of the cognitive, affective, and autonomic regulation system. Numerous studies support the relationship between HRV and the CAN, including research on HRV biofeedback training (HRVBF). Studies on the effectiveness of HRVBF for professions such as police officers have shown improvements in self-regulation, decision-making, and performance. However, few studies have specifically explored HRVBF's influence on HRV metrics in police officers, highlighting a need for further research. This study addresses this gap by randomly assigning 27 Icelandic police officers to intervention or wait-list control groups. The intervention group underwent a five-week HRVBF program, including group and individual training sessions. Results showed significant increases in HRV metrics for the intervention group, indicating improved autonomic function and stress resilience. Mental resilience increased significantly as measured by subjective measures of attentional control, mindful awareness, and reduced fatigue. These findings support the efficacy of HRVBF in enhancing HRV and mental resilience for police officers, suggesting its applicability and potential for integration into existing training programs.

The Impact of Interactive Video Games Training on the Quality of Life of Children Treated for Leukemia

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the impact of interactive video games (IVGs) as a form of physical activity (PA) on the quality of life. Methods: The study used a quality-of-life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-10) and the HBSC questionnaire. In order to determine individual IVGs training parameters, an initial assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness level was performed, using the Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Test—Godfrey’s progressive protocol. Children in the intervention group participated in 12 interval training sessions using IVGs (Microsoft’s Xbox 360 S console with Kinect,). Results: The study included 21 patients (7–13 years old; 12 boys and 9 girls) treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 13) and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8). Before the IVGs, all children had insufficient PA levels (90% of children in the intervention group and 90.91% of children in the control group did not engage in any PA during the last 7 days). After the intervention, 80% of the children in the IVGs group undertook PA lasting at least 60 min a day, three times a week. They exhibited better well-being, a subjective feeling of improved physical fitness (p < 0.0001), a greater subjective sense of strength and energy (p < 0.0001), and less feeling of sadness (p = 0.0016) than the children from the control group (p = 0.0205). Conclusions: The results of our study confirmed that an attractive form of virtual game or sport is willingly undertaken by children undergoing cancer treatment, and has significant benefits in improving the quality-of-life parameters. There is a clear need to create specific recommendations and rehabilitation models for children with cancer.

Smartphone Magnetometers for Assessing Programmable Shunt Valve Settings: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Programmable shunt valves (PSVs) used to treat hydrocephalus require specialized valve-specific devices that determine their setting. However, these devices are typically only accessible in major medical centers. This study explores the feasibility of using smartphone magnetometers to assess PSV settings. We investigated 2 PSVs, the Codman Certas Plus and Medtronic Strata II, using 3 different smartphones. Free open-source software was used to measure magnetic flux densities of the shunts, and PSV-specific algorithms were developed to interpret these measurements. All measurements were performed ex vivo. We demonstrated that this method could accurately determine PSV settings with 100% accuracy in ex vivo blinded trials. The technique was effective even with a scalp analog simulating different skin thicknesses. This proof-of-concept study suggests that smartphones can be used for PSV assessment. However, further development and validation are needed to refine this method for clinical use. This technology could enhance PSV management accessibility, allowing for remote or at-home evaluations by trained individuals or caregivers, thus improving patient care in underserved areas.

Effects of Balance-Based Recreational Therapy on Postural Stability in Those Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have reported increased incidence rates of falling in compari-son to undiagnosed peers. Falls in this population have been found to be related to increasing symptom intensity as well as decreases in overall quality of life. The follow-ing examines the effectiveness of balance-based Recre-ational Therapy within the community setting as part of a multidiscipline treatment team known as the Stillwater Communication, Arts, Nutrition, & Exercise program. A combination of previous data analysis from this longitudinal study have found that participants improved or main-tained their physical functioning and reported less occurrences of falling. Treatment protocol focused on strength, balance, and gait-utilizing modalities such as exercise, obstacle courses, boxing training, and tai chi. Data collection of postural stability, or static balance, occurred throughout the 8-month treatment period on a monthly ba-sis and the month 1 and month 8 mean differences were analyzed for statistical and clinical significance. Assessments revealed the successful increase and/or maintenance of overall postural stability through the 8-month treatment period. Results were not statistically significant, yet provide clinical evidence to the effectiveness of RT com-munity-based balance training for individuals diagnosed with PD. The following study builds upon previous evidence that recreational therapy can be an effective treatment option for those who have been diagnosed with PD and potentially others who are ex-periencing issues with their balance. Implications for future studies and current prac-tice are provided.

Potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DS1800 extends lifespan and enhances stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans model

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when administered in appropriate amounts by improving or restoring the balance of intestinal microbiota. Various functional probiotic products have been developed due to the growing interest in the health-promoting and anti-aging effects of enhancing the gut microbiome. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species are known for their potential to extend lifespan. However, this activity is strain or isolation source specific, necessitating the identification of individual strain functionalities. This study used the C. elegans model to screen probiotics for life-extension effects and analyze their functions. The 43 lactic-acid bacteria strains isolated from fermented foods, breast milk, and human feces were subjected to longevity assays, and L. plantarum DS1800 was selected to demonstrate the most effective lifespan extension. The average lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans fed DS1800 increased by 17.36% compared with those fed Escherichia coli OP50. Further analysis of the expression of key genes related to longevity revealed the high expression of the skinhead-1 (skn-1), antibacterial, and heat stress resistance genes via the p38 MAPK pathway. These expression patterns suggest that DS1800 extends the lifespan of C. elegans by enhancing its stress resistance and protecting it against pathogens. Additionally, DS1800 exhibited excellent intestinal adhesion, with 7.56% adhesion to HT-29 cells. Therefore, L. plantarum DS1800 is effective in extending the lifespan of C. elegans and can be used as a functional probiotic.

Digital fist bumps: searching for datafication and digitalisation in everyday CrossFit coaching practice

The research presented here explores the nuances of data collection and sharing via digital platforms in everyday CrossFit coaching practice. There is a growing body of work on data and digital platforms in CrossFit, though currently there is a lack of understanding of the role of coaches in these processes. Empirically grounding the digital fitness practices of CrossFit coaching is essential for our understanding of the sport, as well as to critically engage with the dominant socio-technical narratives of the digital fitness revolution: narratives that obscure the agency of coaches. This research foregrounds the coaches’ agency and lived experiences, focusing on their everyday coaching practices around data and digital platforms. Six semi-structured in-depth interviews with CrossFit coaches in Sweden were undertaken in 2023. These focused on if, when, how and why they collect, or encourage their participants to collect, data on their training and share this via digital platforms. The findings reveal several different, though interrelated, areas where the CrossFit coaches can be seen as mediating between often competing narratives around data and digital platforms. These everyday practices include mediating between group vs. individual training, data collection and sharing vs. “moving well”, CrossFit's methodology of quantification of fitness vs. the needs of the participants and navigating the techno-solutionist vs. reductionist narratives around digital fitness tracking.

Microstructure development by the application of different strain paths prior to soft annealing in a medium carbon steel

The effect of different pre-strain application paths on the microstructure evolution of a medium carbon steel after soft annealing is studied. The strain applied on an undercooled austenite induces fine ferrite and pearlite transformation at austenite grain boundaries leading to an average grain size much finer than that in the case where no pre-strain is applied (around 4 and 7 µm, respectively) and a drastic reduction of the fraction of large grains (>20 µm) that become the 17% rather than the 40%. Cementite direct precipitation at the induced ferrite α/α interface and the induced pearlite quick decomposition, give rise to an improved degree of spheroidisation after annealing and a L2 IFI rating regarding the ASTM F2282 standard. When the strain is applied on pearlite, diffusion through the matrix is enhanced which accelerates the lamellae break-up and leads to fully spheroidised microstructures after annealing (degree of spheroidisation above 90% and G1 on IFI rating). When both strain sequences are applied consecutively, the resulting annealed microstructure combines the features corresponding to each individual strain paths, i.e., homogeneous and refined ferrite grain size and enhanced spheroidisation degree, which confers optimal cold workability properties to the steel. In addition, such characteristics are attained without an excessive increase in hardness (in the range 155–180 HV), which is interesting when considering cold forming tool wear.

The Effect of Different Resistance Training Protocols on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation During Exercise Recovery: A Crossover, Randomized, and Controlled Pilot Study

Purpose: This study investigated the impact of two different resistance training (RT) protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation during exercise recovery in trained individuals. It was hypothesized that a hypertrophic resistance training program would induce more significant stress and negatively affect cardiac autonomic modulation compared to a power/force resistance training program. Methods: Six healthy, trained participants (aged 18–40) were randomized in a crossover and controlled pilot study. Participants performed two RT protocols: (i) three sets of 10 repetitions with 85% of 10 RM, 60 s inter-set rest (3x1060s) and (ii) eight sets of three repetitions with 85% of 3 RM, 120 s inter-set rest (8x3120s). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured before and 30 min after each RT session. Results: Significant reductions in HRV parameters (RMSSD, HF, and SD1) were observed following the 3x1060s protocol (hypertrophic design) compared to baseline. Conversely, the 8x3120s (power/force design) protocol did not show significant changes in HRV parameters. A significant interaction effect for time and RT protocol was found for all HRV measures with more significant reductions observed after 3x1060s compared to 8x3120s. Conclusions: The hypertrophic RT session (3x1060s) significantly reduced HRV parameters, suggesting higher physiological stress and potentially negative implications for cardiac autonomic recovery than the power/force RT session (8x3120s). These findings highlight the importance of considering exercise intensity and protocol design to manage cardiac autonomic stress during resistance training.

Pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institution

The article outlines the pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions. There are proposed ways of developing educational technologies for teaching environmental engineering: active and collaborative learning, individualisation of training, use of video and audio materials, using electronic tools for evaluation of educational results, development of digital literacy, implementation of interactive online courses and professional communication and mentoring. There are presented the use of these technologies in the different aspects of environmental engineering, such as analysing water quality parameters, soil quality assessment, studying waste management practices, and studying the integration of renewable energy into the practice through virtual labs, online tests, video lectures, and collaborative projects. The proposed pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions were tested in the educational process. The Student's t-test was used for statistical calculation of the obtained experimental data. At the end of the experiment, there is a statistically significant difference between the mean values of the experimental and control groups. It can be claimed that the use of pedagogical technologies for teaching environmental engineering in the online learning system of higher education institutions is perspective.

Exclusive enteral nutrition initiates individual protective microbiome changes to induce remission in pediatric Crohn's disease.

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a first-line therapy for pediatric Crohn's disease (CD), but protective mechanisms remain unknown. We established a prospective pediatric cohort to characterize the function of fecal microbiota and metabolite changes of treatment-naive CD patients in response to EEN (German Clinical Trials DRKS00013306). Integrated multi-omics analysis identified network clusters from individually variable microbiome profiles, with Lachnospiraceae and medium-chain fatty acids as protective features. Bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging selectively identified bacterial species in response to medium-chain fatty acids. Metagenomic analysis identified high strain-level dynamics in response to EEN. Functional changes in diet-exposed fecal microbiota were further validated using gut chemostat cultures and microbiota transfer into germ-free Il10-deficient mice. Dietary model conditions induced individual patient-specific strain signatures to prevent or cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like inflammation in gnotobiotic mice. Hence, we provide evidence that EEN therapy operates through explicit functional changes of temporally and individually variable microbiome profiles.

OPTIMAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKELETAL MUSCLE FUNCTIONING IN ADULT ATHLETES WITH T1DM

The article analyzes various types of physical activity to find the best option for maintaining healthy skeletal muscle function in adult athletes with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Regular exercise is shown to effectively normalize their condition, while muscle training improves glucose absorption without insulin, significantly increasing muscle sensitivity both during and after exercise. The study highlights that proper blood sugar control and avoiding hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during structured physical activity are crucial for managing insulin-dependent athletes. Exercise effects vary based on the sport, intensity, and individual factors influenced by external and internal conditions. The research stresses setting realistic goals for athletes with T1DM to ensure positive outcomes, focusing on avoiding stress. The study also explores physiological responses to different exercises and offers individual or group training recommendations that balance muscle training, condition management, socialization, and a normal lifestyle.

Methodology for improving the physical fitness of qualified goalkeepers in football through fitness means

The article substantiates a methodology for improving the physical fitness of qualified football goalkeepers using health- related fitness. The need for developing alternative training programs for goalkeepers in football has been clarified. The methodology for enhancing the physical fitness of qualified goalkeepers in football includes health-related fitness means and prioritizes an individual approach. The use of fitness tools allows for conducting individual sessions aimed at improving the functional and physical fitness of goalkeepers in football. Thus, the foundation of the methodology consists of exercises using Stick Mobility gymnastic sticks, which have replaced traditional exercises from the Pilates and yoga systems; exercises aimed at activating the myofascial lines of the body; exercises for developing explosive strength; and myofascial release exercises, which have replaced traditional stretching exercises. The author's methodology for the individual training of qualified goalkeepers in football was designed for 4 morphocycles during the preparatory period by the training camp schedule based on the competition calendar. The use of fitness means allowed for conducting individual sessions to improve goalkeepers' functional and physical fitness in football.

Blood Draw Training in Okapi ( Okapia johnstoni )

Abstract Sedating any species in a zoological setting for veterinary procedures, including blood draws can have negative implications for the individual animal, both physiological and psychological both during and after the procedure. In addition, these can take a lot of staff time and resources and can impact the long-term relationship between the individual and keepers. Training individuals to take part voluntarily in their own health care can help to reduce these negative implications; helping to reduce stress, improve welfare, and give individuals choice and control while developing the future management of the species. This case study describes the training of four okapi individuals, a notoriously flighty species, for voluntary blood draws and how training plans should always be adaptable for individuals to encourage successful progression and development. Information © The Authors 2024

Utilizing Iron Oxidizing Bacteria (IOB) in the Bio-remediation of Subsurface Drinking Water from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

Background and Aim: Iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) are harmless, chemotrophic organisms that use oxygen to dissolve iron in wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. They thrive in water with iron concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/L, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for water treatment. In Uttarakhand, widespread iron contamination continues to limit access to safe drinking water despite efforts to address the issue. This study aimed to explore the use of bioremediation and microbial consortia to reduce and eliminate iron contamination in drinking water sources. Methods: The study employed a biosorption process, where the iron-oxidizing bacteria and microbial consortia were immobilized on a solid carrier (coarser sand) to facilitate contact with the contaminated water. The bacteria and consortia adsorbed iron ions from the water onto the surface of the carrier material through various mechanisms, including ion exchange, chelation, and surface complexation. The biosorption experiments were conducted in a batch mode, where the contaminated water was mixed with the carrier material containing the microbial consortium. The mixture was agitated under controlled conditions to promote iron removal. Results: The study assessed the iron removal efficiency of various carriers (gravel, sand, coarse sand, bentonite, and lignite) and iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB-1 to IOB-6) from 100 water samples collected in Uttarakhand. The key findings are: Carrier Performance: Coarse sand consistently demonstrated the highest iron removal efficiency among all carriers, with an average removal rate of 84.67% ± 0.02%. Microbial Isolate Performance: Among the IOB strains, IOB-1 exhibited the best iron removal efficiency, achieving an average of 46.67% ± 0.08%. Microbial Consortium: The microbial consortium formed using IOB-1 in combination with coarse sand achieved the highest overall iron removal efficiency of 89.33% ± 0.05. These results underscore the effectiveness of bioremediation techniques, particularly using microbial consortia, for addressing iron contamination in water resources. Discussion: The present study demonstrates the efficacy of bioremediation techniques, specifically utilizing iron-oxidizing bacteria and microbial consortia, in addressing iron contamination in water resources. The results indicate that the selected carriers, particularly coarse sand, and the microbial isolate IOB-1 exhibited significant potential for iron removal. Conclusion: The combination of iron-oxidizing bacteria and suitable carriers offers a promising approach for water treatment in regions affected by iron pollution. The microbial consortia entrapped in coarse sand demonstrated superior performance compared to individual strains, suggesting the synergistic effects of microbial interactions.

Biocontrol Efficacy of Pseudomonas Consortia Against Botrytis Blight in Petunias.

Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen causing Botrytis blight, significantly impacts greenhouse crop management due to its broad host range and infection capabilities at various growth stages. Traditional control methods, primarily reliant on fungicides, are challenged by environmental concerns and the rise of fungicide-resistant strains. This study investigates the use of beneficial Pseudomonas bacteria as a sustainable alternative. We hypothesized that specific Pseudomonas consortia could provide more effective biocontrol of B. cinerea than individual strains. Our research investigated five Pseudomonas strains (14B11, AP54, 15H3, 94G2, and 89F1) known to reduce Botrytis blight in Petunia × hybrida. Compatibility for bacterial consortia was assessed through biofilm formation and direct bacterial inhibition assays. The biocontrol effects of the bacteria against B. cinerea were investigated in vitro using shared-air space dual culture assays and in planta by inoculating detached petunia flowers. We found strain 14B11 exhibited the highest biofilm formation, with consortia of 14B11 and 89F1 showing significant enhancement compared to individual cultures, while a slight, non-significant increase was observed in 14B11 and AP54 consortia. However, strain 14B11 efficacy was inhibited by strain 15H3. Genomic analyses identified antifungal compound-related gene clusters in 14B11 and AP54, contributing to their biocontrol potential. Trials with detached flowers of Petunia × hybrida 'Carpet Red Bright' confirmed significant disease severity reduction with 14B11, AP54, and their consortia. This research highlights strategic Pseudomonas consortia as promising, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides, promoting sustainable agriculture by enhancing our understanding of how microbial interactions can be used to manage Botrytis blight.